2 Corinthians 3:5
Verse
Context
Ministers of a New Covenant
4Such confidence before God is ours through Christ.5Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim that anything comes from us, but our competence comes from God.6And He has qualified us as ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Not that we are sufficient of ourselves - We do not arrogate to ourselves any power to enlighten the mind or change the heart, we are only instruments in the hand of God. Nor was it possible for us apostles to think, to invent, such a scheme of salvation as is the Gospel; and if we even had been equal to the invention, how could we have fulfilled such promises as this scheme of salvation abounds with? God alone could fulfill these promises, and he fulfils only those which he makes himself. All these promises have been amen-ratified and fulfilled to you who have believed on Christ Jesus according to our preaching; therefore, ye are God's workmanship and it is only by God's sufficiency that we have been able to do any thing. This I believe to be the apostle's meaning in this place, and that he speaks here merely of the Gospel scheme, and the inability of human wisdom to invent it; and the words λογισασθαι τι, which we translate to think any thing, signify, properly, to find any thing out by reasoning; and as the Gospel scheme of salvation is the subject in hand, to that subject the words are to be referred and limited. The words, however, contain also a general truth; we can neither think, act, nor be, without God. From him we have received all our powers, whether of body or of mind, and without him we can do nothing. But we may abuse both our power of thinking and acting; for the power to think, and the power to act, are widely different from the act of thinking, and the act of doing. God gives us the power or capacity to think and act, but he neither thinks nor acts for us. It is on this ground that we may abuse our powers, and think evil, and act wickedly; and it is on this ground that we are accountable for our thoughts, words, and deeds.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The Greek is, "Not that we are (even yet after so long experience as ministers) sufficient to think anything OF ourselves as (coming) FROM ourselves; but our sufficiency is (derived) FROM God." "From" more definitely refers to the source out of which a thing comes; "of" is more general. to think--Greek, to "reason out" or "devise"; to attain to sound preaching by our reasonings [THEODORET]. The "we" refers here to ministers (Pe2 1:21). anything--even the least. We cannot expect too little from man, or too much from God.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Not that we are sufficient of ourselves,.... Though we are sufficient for this work to which God has called us, and have such trust and confidence that he has blessed and owned us, and done such great things by us; yet we do not ascribe anything to ourselves, to any power of ours, to any self-sufficiency in us: for "we are not sufficient of ourselves" neither for the work of the ministry, nor for the conversion of sinners, nor for faith and hope in God, nor for any spiritual work whatever; not even to think anything as of ourselves; any good thing, either for our own use and benefit, or for the advantage of others; we are not able of ourselves to meditate with judgment and affection upon the word of God, to study the Scriptures, to collect from them things fit for the ministry; and much less with freedom and boldness to speak of them to edification; and still less able to impress them upon the heart: for though you who are the epistle of Christ are ministered by us, yet not by any power and self-sufficiency of ours; but our sufficiency is of God; to think, to speak, and to act for his glory.
2 Corinthians 3:5
Ministers of a New Covenant
4Such confidence before God is ours through Christ.5Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim that anything comes from us, but our competence comes from God.6And He has qualified us as ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Jack Hyles Fresh Oil Part 1
By Jack Hyles2.8K09:361SA 16:132SA 2:42SA 5:3PSA 92:10ISA 61:1JER 1:51CO 1:272CO 3:5EPH 5:18PHP 4:13This sermon emphasizes the importance of being anointed with fresh oil, drawing parallels to King David's anointing as a symbol of God's empowerment and calling. It shares a personal testimony of overcoming challenges and doubts to fulfill God's calling, highlighting the transformative power of God's call and qualification in one's life.
(2 Corinthians) ch.4:3-4:11
By Zac Poonen2.0K44:29GEN 1:3JHN 12:242CO 3:52CO 4:52CO 4:10In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the ministry of the New Covenant and the importance of being adequate for this ministry. He emphasizes that it is God who makes us adequate, not our knowledge or gifts. The speaker highlights the need for preachers and Christians to go beyond imparting knowledge and instead bring people into a life of godliness, humility, and purity. He explains that the key to New Covenant ministry is dying to oneself, as Jesus said in John 12:24, and allowing the life of Jesus to flow through us. The speaker also discusses the veil that is over the gospel, which is veiled to those who are lost and blinded by the god of this world. He emphasizes that it is the life behind the knowledge and gifts that enables one to be a minister of the New Covenant.
At the Kings Gate
By Teresa Conlon2.0K1:00:232CO 3:5In this sermon titled "At the King's Gate," the speaker focuses on the story of Esther in the Bible. The sermon emphasizes the importance of having a heart for God and living for His glory. The speaker highlights the character of Mordecai, who stands firm at the king's gate despite facing opposition and persecution. Mordecai's unwavering faith and obedience to God's will ultimately lead to a revelation and a prophetic message for Esther. The sermon encourages listeners to stay faithful to God, even in the face of adversity, and to trust in His power and guidance.
The Glorious Ministration of the Spirit
By Carter Conlon1.8K47:17Holy SpiritMAT 6:331CO 1:181CO 2:41CO 2:161CO 3:62CO 3:32CO 3:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of focusing on Christ rather than being distracted by the charisma and self-promotion of human leaders. He warns against being drawn to those who seek to gain personal glory and take advantage of others. The preacher highlights the need to see beyond the veil and have a genuine encounter with God. He emphasizes that when we turn to the Lord, the veil is lifted, and we are able to see Christ clearly. The sermon concludes with the reminder that it is God who brings about transformation and growth, and it is through His presence that we experience true liberty and generosity.
Through the Bible - 2 Corinthians - Part 2
By Zac Poonen1.8K57:33Through The Bible2CO 2:42CO 3:52CO 4:12CO 6:32CO 7:22CO 8:202CO 11:19In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the qualities and characteristics of the apostle Paul as a servant of God. He emphasizes that Paul was called by God and had a deep love for those he served. Paul depended entirely on God and did not rely on human resources. He also never gave up despite facing hardships and challenges. The speaker encourages believers to be sincere, anointed with the Holy Spirit, and to conduct themselves as ambassadors of Jesus Christ in all aspects of life.
Your Conscience, the Cross, True Faith, False Religion
By David Cooper1.5K1:13:54ConscienceMAT 7:13JHN 3:20JHN 6:47JHN 6:53JHN 14:6ACT 4:122CO 3:5In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the profound significance of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on the hill of Calvary. The preacher emphasizes the selfless love and grace of God, as He willingly dies for the sins of mankind. The sermon describes the scene of Jesus being nailed to the cross and the immense love that compelled Him to bleed and die for humanity. The preacher also shares a personal experience of encountering the crucified Christ and being convicted of his own guilt, leading to repentance and a realization of the forgiveness offered through Jesus' sacrifice.
Motivated by Love
By Zac Poonen1.0K53:38JHN 7:372CO 3:5HEB 8:13This sermon delves into the profound understanding of being a servant of the New Covenant, emphasizing the inadequacy of human efforts and the sufficiency found in God. It explores the contrast between the Old and New Covenants, highlighting the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the New Covenant. The importance of preserving love for Jesus is underscored, drawing from the depth of Christ's love and the awareness of personal forgiveness to fuel genuine service and ministry.
Revival Begins With You - Part 1
By Tom Phillips98637:03Personal Revival2CH 7:14PSA 81:10MAT 22:37MAT 28:19ROM 7:192CO 3:51PE 3:15In this sermon, the speaker discusses the opportunity and simplicity of sharing the word of God. He emphasizes that God will provide the words for us to speak and encourages listeners to not be afraid or worried about what to say. The speaker shares his favorite witnessing verse, Psalm 81:10, which reminds us to open our mouths wide and allow God to fill them. He also emphasizes the importance of rejoicing in Jesus and being a vessel for God's work.
The Gospel Is the Power of God
By Eli Brayley82753:06GospelNUM 13:30NUM 14:20MRK 10:17ROM 1:162CO 3:5PHP 4:13In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of power and how it is perceived in different aspects of life. He mentions examples such as machines, art, and military force to illustrate the idea of power. However, he emphasizes that the most powerful thing in the world is Jesus Christ. The speaker refers to the interaction between Jesus and the rich man who asked about inheriting eternal life, highlighting how Jesus challenged the man's perception of righteousness and revealed his attachment to wealth.
Sufficiency for Godly Living #4 - Insufficient Vessels Containing Sufficient Treasure
By Bob Hoekstra68651:162CO 3:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the concept of Christians being like earthen vessels, fragile and vulnerable. However, the speaker also highlights the exhilaration and joy that comes from having the treasure of Jesus within us. Life is described as a tank that relentlessly comes at us, but as Christians, we are not crushed or destroyed because of the treasure within us. The sermon also discusses the process of magnifying the treasure within us, despite facing pressures and challenges in life.
Be an Ambassador of Jesus Christ
By Zac Poonen0Christian CharacterAmbassadorship2CO 1:12CO 2:42CO 3:52CO 4:12CO 5:202CO 6:32CO 7:22CO 8:202CO 10:132CO 11:232CO 12:92CO 13:9Zac Poonen emphasizes that Paul exemplified the role of an Ambassador of Jesus Christ, highlighting twelve essential marks that should characterize every believer's life. These include being called by God, sincere, anointed by the Holy Spirit, and loving those served. Paul’s total dependence on God, perseverance in ministry, and wise handling of resources are also crucial traits. Furthermore, he served as a model for others, accepted suffering, and aimed for the spiritual maturity of believers. Poonen encourages the congregation to emulate Paul's example in their own lives.
The Difference Between Old Covenant and New Covenant Servant
By Zac Poonen0Dependence On GodNew Covenant Ministry2CO 3:5Zac Poonen emphasizes the significant differences between old covenant and new covenant servants in his sermon. He explains that while old covenant servants relied on their knowledge of the law, new covenant servants must experience God's message personally and serve from that experience. Poonen highlights that true ministry comes from God's sufficiency, not our own, and that we are called to distribute God's blessings rather than produce them ourselves. He warns against preaching that leads to condemnation, advocating instead for a message that uplifts and brings hope to others. Ultimately, he encourages reliance on God for strength and resources in ministry.
Dependence on Christ
By Charles Finney0Dependence on ChristSpiritual GrowthPRO 3:5ISA 41:10JHN 15:5ROM 7:182CO 3:5EPH 2:8PHP 4:13COL 1:17JAS 4:101PE 5:7Charles Finney emphasizes the critical nature of dependence on Christ, asserting that without Him, we can do nothing of spiritual value. He explains that this dependence is not merely theoretical but must be a practical reality in the life of a believer, as it is essential for holiness and moral action. Finney warns against the human tendency to overlook this truth, which can lead to pride, self-righteousness, and spiritual failure. He encourages believers to actively acknowledge their reliance on Christ for strength and guidance, highlighting that true faith involves a continual remembrance of this dependence. Ultimately, understanding and embracing this doctrine is vital for a fruitful Christian life.
Rejoicing in Boastings
By Charles Finney0The Danger of PrideHumilityPRO 16:18ISA 42:8ROM 12:31CO 4:72CO 3:5GAL 6:14EPH 2:8PHP 2:13JAS 4:161PE 5:5Charles Finney emphasizes the danger of self-complacency and the wickedness of rejoicing in our own boastings, as highlighted in James 4:16. He explains that true prosperity, influence, and spiritual attainments are gifts from God, and any pride in these areas is a denial of His grace. Finney warns that self-complacency leads to spiritual pride, which can grieve the Holy Spirit and hinder our relationship with God. He urges believers to recognize that all good comes from God and to rejoice in Him rather than in their own accomplishments. Ultimately, he calls for humility and a focus on God's grace as the source of all goodness in our lives.
Amos 7:14
By Chuck Smith0Ordinary PeopleGod's CallingEXO 3:10ISA 6:5JER 1:6AMO 7:14MAT 4:19LUK 5:8ROM 8:281CO 1:272CO 3:51TI 1:15Chuck Smith emphasizes that God has a unique plan of service for each individual, highlighting that He does not redeem us merely to occupy space in a pew but to actively touch the lives of others. He points out that God uses ordinary people, like Amos, who may feel unqualified, to accomplish His work, and that many disqualify themselves based on their perceived ordinariness. Smith reassures that God's callings come with His enablements, and one does not need to abandon their current responsibilities to fulfill God's purpose. Ultimately, the sermon reflects God's deep love for the lost, as He continues to reach out to His people despite their shortcomings.
Wake Up the Lion in You!
By A.W. Tozer0Reliance on GodDivine EmpowermentISA 40:29ZEC 4:6JHN 15:5ROM 8:312CO 3:5EPH 3:20PHP 4:132TI 1:7JAS 4:101PE 5:6A.W. Tozer emphasizes the distinction between Christianity and other religions, asserting that true sufficiency comes from God rather than from within ourselves. He illustrates this by comparing a French poodle's inadequacy against lions, highlighting that mere self-reliance is insufficient to face life's challenges. Tozer argues that while other belief systems encourage individuals to awaken their inner potential, Christianity teaches that we need divine empowerment from the Holy Spirit to overcome obstacles. He calls for believers to recognize their limitations and rely on God's strength instead of their own. The sermon concludes with a prayer for humility and reliance on God's power.
Working Out What God Works in You
By A.W. Tozer0Cooperation with GodSpiritual GrowthPSA 37:4ISA 41:10JHN 15:5ROM 8:282CO 3:5EPH 2:10PHP 2:131TH 5:24HEB 13:21JAS 1:5A.W. Tozer emphasizes that God initiates the desire within us to seek Him, and it is our responsibility to cooperate with His work in our lives. He explains that the urge to escape spiritual stagnation is evidence of God's action in our hearts, and we should not let doubts or false humility hinder our progress. Tozer encourages believers to recognize that if God has placed a desire in us to change, He will also provide the means to achieve that change when we earnestly seek His help. The sermon calls for an active partnership with God, dismissing any thoughts that suggest we are unworthy of His assistance.
[We Are Not] Sufficient of Ourselves to Think Any Thing as of Ourselves
By A.B. Simpson0Human InsufficiencyChrist's Sufficiency2KI 13:14ISA 41:10JHN 15:5ROM 3:232CO 3:52CO 12:9EPH 2:8PHP 4:19COL 2:10JAS 4:6A.B. Simpson emphasizes the duality of human insufficiency and Christ's all-sufficiency, asserting that recognizing our helplessness is essential for spiritual growth. He explains that the Old Testament highlights human failure, while the New Testament reveals Christ's ability to meet all our needs. Simpson encourages believers to renounce their own perceived perfection and embrace Christ's righteousness, which leads to a deeper understanding of grace. He warns that acknowledging our insufficiency must be coupled with a firm faith that claims all that Christ offers. The sermon concludes with a call to humility and a full acceptance of God's greatness and grace.
When Ye Go, Ye Shall Not Go Empty
By A.B. Simpson0Being Filled with the Holy SpiritSufficiency in GodJHN 2:72CO 3:5A.B. Simpson emphasizes the necessity of being emptied of self to be filled with God's presence and the Holy Spirit. He challenges believers to recognize their own insufficiency while acknowledging God's infinite ability to meet their needs. Simpson points out that many Christians understand their limitations but few grasp that their sufficiency comes from God alone. He illustrates this with the miracle at Cana, where the vessels had to be filled to the brim before the transformation occurred, highlighting God's desire for His children to have full hearts.
Our Sufficiency Is of God
By E.M. Bounds0Spiritual PreachingDivine Sufficiency2CO 3:5E.M. Bounds emphasizes the profound necessity of divine sufficiency in preaching, illustrating that true ministry is empowered by God and the Holy Spirit. He warns against the dangers of non-spiritual preaching, which may appear eloquent but lacks the life-giving energy of the Spirit. Bounds highlights that a preacher must experience a deep surrender to God, recognizing their own powerlessness to effectively convey God's message. The essence of life-giving preaching is rooted in the preacher's inner transformation and crucifixion of self, allowing God's power to flow through them. Ultimately, Bounds calls for a ministry that is not only knowledgeable but also spiritually vibrant and alive.
Our Adequacy in Christ
By Alan Redpath0Transformation through ChristAdequacy in Christ2CO 3:5Alan Redpath emphasizes that our adequacy comes from Christ, not from ourselves, as he reflects on Paul's revelation of God's grace that transforms the heart and soul. He contrasts the ministry of the letter, which brings condemnation, with the ministry of the Spirit that offers life and freedom. Redpath encourages believers to embrace their identity in Christ, which empowers them to withstand life's challenges without losing hope. He highlights the importance of beholding Jesus, as this leads to transformation into His likeness, enabling us to endure buffeting and trials. Ultimately, he reassures that through a clear view of Jesus, we can find strength and sweetness in our character amidst struggles.
The Jesus Family in Communist China - Part 7
By Dr. D. Vaughan Rees0ACT 20:281CO 3:62CO 3:5EPH 4:11PHP 2:3COL 1:181TH 1:81TI 3:15HEB 13:171PE 5:2Dr. D. Vaughan Rees preaches about the rise of indigenous church movements in China, initiated by foreign ladies like Miss Barbour and Miss Dillenbeck, leading to the establishment of independent Chinese churches. The sermon highlights the importance of indigenous churches being self-sustaining and free from foreign control, contrasting the indigenous church model with the centralized hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church. It emphasizes the resilience and unique characteristics of the indigenous Chinese churches in the face of Communist opposition and the need for missionaries to humbly support and empower local church leaders for true apostolic work.
Concerning Thoughts
By St. Nikodemos the Hagiorite0PSA 139:23JER 21:9MAT 12:36MAT 20:6MRK 9:24JHN 13:25ROM 7:132CO 3:52CO 10:5St. Nikodemos the Hagiorite delves into the importance of understanding and addressing the different types of thoughts that affect the soul. He categorizes thoughts into good, vain/idle, and bad, emphasizing the need for humility and reliance on God even in good thoughts to avoid falling into pride. The sermon highlights the dangers of idle thoughts, warning that they can lead to a neglect of faith and open the door to evil. St. Nikodemos also explores the causes of bad thoughts, both external (sensory stimuli) and internal (imagination, passions, demons, and human nature's fallen state), stressing the impact they have on the soul's well-being.
Letters From Heaven
By Tom Macartney0ISA 22:22MAT 7:21ROM 8:371CO 15:582CO 3:5REV 21:7Tom Macartney preaches on the importance of the first three chapters of the book of Revelation, which contain letters from Jesus Christ to seven churches in the 1st century, relevant for His church throughout history. These letters address issues such as spiritual decline, persecution, false teaching, and the need for genuine devotion to Christ. Each church faced specific challenges like decline, testing, pollution, false religion, reputation without reality, lack of stamina, and complacency. The letters highlight the enemies to overcome, the issues to face, and the call to faith in Christ as the all-sufficient Savior and Reward.
The Secret of the Christian Life
By Gene Edwards0JHN 15:52CO 3:5GAL 2:20PHP 2:13COL 1:27Gene Edwards challenges the common beliefs about living the Christian life, emphasizing that it is impossible for humans to live it on their own. He points out the flaw in the idea that we can achieve it through actions like praying, reading the Bible, going to church, or tithing, as they all revolve around 'you-centeredness.' Instead, Gene highlights that God the Father is the Christian life itself, and it is His life alone that can live out the Christian life in us. He encourages letting go of the burden of trying to live the Christian life and allowing God to work through us effortlessly.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Not that we are sufficient of ourselves - We do not arrogate to ourselves any power to enlighten the mind or change the heart, we are only instruments in the hand of God. Nor was it possible for us apostles to think, to invent, such a scheme of salvation as is the Gospel; and if we even had been equal to the invention, how could we have fulfilled such promises as this scheme of salvation abounds with? God alone could fulfill these promises, and he fulfils only those which he makes himself. All these promises have been amen-ratified and fulfilled to you who have believed on Christ Jesus according to our preaching; therefore, ye are God's workmanship and it is only by God's sufficiency that we have been able to do any thing. This I believe to be the apostle's meaning in this place, and that he speaks here merely of the Gospel scheme, and the inability of human wisdom to invent it; and the words λογισασθαι τι, which we translate to think any thing, signify, properly, to find any thing out by reasoning; and as the Gospel scheme of salvation is the subject in hand, to that subject the words are to be referred and limited. The words, however, contain also a general truth; we can neither think, act, nor be, without God. From him we have received all our powers, whether of body or of mind, and without him we can do nothing. But we may abuse both our power of thinking and acting; for the power to think, and the power to act, are widely different from the act of thinking, and the act of doing. God gives us the power or capacity to think and act, but he neither thinks nor acts for us. It is on this ground that we may abuse our powers, and think evil, and act wickedly; and it is on this ground that we are accountable for our thoughts, words, and deeds.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The Greek is, "Not that we are (even yet after so long experience as ministers) sufficient to think anything OF ourselves as (coming) FROM ourselves; but our sufficiency is (derived) FROM God." "From" more definitely refers to the source out of which a thing comes; "of" is more general. to think--Greek, to "reason out" or "devise"; to attain to sound preaching by our reasonings [THEODORET]. The "we" refers here to ministers (Pe2 1:21). anything--even the least. We cannot expect too little from man, or too much from God.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Not that we are sufficient of ourselves,.... Though we are sufficient for this work to which God has called us, and have such trust and confidence that he has blessed and owned us, and done such great things by us; yet we do not ascribe anything to ourselves, to any power of ours, to any self-sufficiency in us: for "we are not sufficient of ourselves" neither for the work of the ministry, nor for the conversion of sinners, nor for faith and hope in God, nor for any spiritual work whatever; not even to think anything as of ourselves; any good thing, either for our own use and benefit, or for the advantage of others; we are not able of ourselves to meditate with judgment and affection upon the word of God, to study the Scriptures, to collect from them things fit for the ministry; and much less with freedom and boldness to speak of them to edification; and still less able to impress them upon the heart: for though you who are the epistle of Christ are ministered by us, yet not by any power and self-sufficiency of ours; but our sufficiency is of God; to think, to speak, and to act for his glory.